Porsche 912

Porsche 912
Porsche 912 Coupé
Overview
ManufacturerPorsche
Production1965–1969 (912)
1975–1976 (912E)
DesignerFerdinand Alexander Porsche
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body styleCoupé
LayoutRR layout
RelatedPorsche 911 (classic)
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.6 L Type 616/36 B4
  • 1.6 L Type 616/39 B4 (US)
  • 2.0 L Volkswagen Type 4 H4 (912E)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,211 mm (87.0 in)[1]
Length4,135 mm (162.8 in)
Width1,600 mm (63 in)
Height1,320 mm (52 in)
Curb weight965 kg (2,127 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorPorsche 356
SuccessorPorsche 914, Porsche 924

The Porsche 912 is a sports car produced by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, for the 1965 through 1969 model years. An entry-level variant of the 911, it was also offered in compact 2+2 Coupé and Targa body styles. The nimble-handling 912 was fitted with a 1.6-liter air cooled flat-4 from the last of the 356s, slightly detuned to 102 SAE horsepower at 5800 rpm.[2] The 912's high-efficiency boxer engine, low drag, and low weight allow it to get up to 30 miles per US gallon (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg‑imp). Initially priced at US$4,700 (equivalent to $45,400 in 2023), more than 32,000 912s were built from April 1965 to July 1969. Sales of the 912 initially outpaced the 911 (introduced in 1964), boosting the manufacturer's total production until success of the 911 was assured.

The 4-cylinder 914 superseded the 912 for the 1970 through 1975 model years. In 1976, The 912 enjoyed a one-year revival with the U.S.-only 912E powered by the 914-derived 2.0-liter VW "Type 4" flat 4 with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection delivering 90 SAE horsepower at 4900 rpm. Just 2,092 912E Coupés were built from May 1975 to July 1976, when the 912E was superseded by the 924.

  1. ^ Cardew, Basil (1966). Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show. London: Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd.
  2. ^ "912 and 912E Original Specs Quick Info". 912registry.org. Archived from the original on 2012-08-13. Retrieved 2015-12-02.